In a hearing held at the National Cricket Academy, Akmal decided to represent himself and was heard at length, while the PCB was represented by Taffazul Rizvi.

“The PCB doesn’t take any pleasure in seeing a promising international cricketer being declared ineligible for three years on corruption charges, but this is once again a timely reminder to all who think they can get away by breaching the anti-corruption code,” PCB Director (Anti-Corruption and Security) Asif Mahmood, said.

“…if some cricketers decide to take the Code in their hands, then this is how things will pan out. I request all professional cricketers to stay away from the menace of corruption and immediately inform relevant authorities as soon as they are approached,” he added.

The Quetta Gladiators’ batsman had also escaped a PCB ban in February for allegedly making crude remarks to a trainer during a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Umar last played a Test for Pakistan in late 2009 but his last international appearance was in last October in the T20 home series against Sri Lanka. He has featured in 16 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 84 T20Is for Pakistan.